Customs Corner
Customs PTML Command Generates N213 Billion, Engages Stakeholders On Export, Trade Facilitation, Others
Author: Cynthia Idowu; Lagos.
The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has released the revenue generation scorecard of the Command from January to November 2022.
Giving a comparative analysis of the revenue collection within the period under review at the Command Headquarters in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Suleiman Bomai said, A total sum of N213,405,461,873.00 was collected as revenue between the months of Jan-Nov, 2022, compared to Jan-Nov, 2021, which was N205,157,478,605.00 an appreciation of N8,247,983,268.00 translating to an increase of 4%.
“I love challenges, and I would have loved to double that figure, which we can do, but the volume is another thing. If the volume could have remained the way it was, I would have generated at least N1b in this command. But because of the volume, I also interfaced with Grimaldi, and they told me about the external and internal factors which limited the import of vehicles.” He revealed.
Similarly, the CAC while Engaging the Stakeholders harped on the need for constant engagement as directed by the CGC, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd). This he said, is imperative to look always at any loopholes and attend to them immediately.
“Since the inception of this regime, the CGC has directed that there must be engagement because we have looked at the gaps which stemmed from lack of engagement between the NCS and the stakeholders. We also have strategic partners, who have some government agencies that work together with us, and there must be cooperation and synergy, and we cannot achieve that without engagement. The idea of engagement is, let us review what we have done, issues at stake, challenges, and strategies to move forward, and it has to be constant because trade is dynamic.” The CAC reiterated.
Speaking further he said, Nigeria used to be dependent on forex from oil, as over 90% of the Country’s revenue was generated from it, but was taken aback by the global shock which affected prices and values of the oil.
“We had to think out of the box. Any economist knows that it is export that finances import, in that sense, when you export forex, you then use it for the importation of raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished goods. Now that there is a scarcity of forex as a result of lack of inflow due to the drop in the price of oil and so many factors, Nigeria could do better if we encourage our non-oil export to grow in such a way that it can then contribute to the forex inflow into the country because it is through the forex that you get access to it before you can import. That is why I said it is export that finances import, and this time around, it is the non-oil export that we want to grow so they can add to the oil export, thereby increasing the forex. That is why I emphasized export.” He noted.
Also on VIN valuation, the CAC said, NCS is one of the most automated government agencies. “We have the capacity and officers to roll out any product, and when we rolled out the VIN valuation, we sensitized the stakeholders; to me, it is a success story. At the same time, it was not 100% complete because there are what is called the standard and non-standard, and I hope that the latter will soon be automated. If we can do that, then we would have completed the automated process of vehicles.”
“The automation process does not stop there, as even the enforcement aspect is also being automated. The era of someone clearing their vehicle from the port and being stopped along the way by an officer for value checking is gone; now, they have a tab on which they can check if the duty is standard, which takes less time. Some of the beautiful things about the VIN valuation are that we have reduced the cost of clearance, and we have maximally reduced contact because that is the most dangerous thing during the clearing process; it ushers in what I call bilateral tax evasion. When there is contact, the taxpayer and the tax collector connive to cheat 200 million Nigerians.”
“Today, from the comfort of your house, you can pay your duty, do your assessment at the clearing zone and other procedures, and all that will be left is the examination and picking your vehicle, and once it is standard, you have no issues. The only issues we usually have are from the non-standard aspect, where the management is trying to automate, and once that is done, we are good to go.” He explained.
The General Manager of Grimaldi in charge of Commercial, Chioma Ayanonu seconded the CAC’s stance, according to her, Nigeria needs a paradigm shift from oil as there are many untapped potentials in Green energy, Electric cars, etc.
“The need for export cannot be overemphasized, it’s more important now than ever, Nigeria has been heavily dependent on oil. For every seven import containers we bring in, only one goes out as export, there is a huge stock of containers that go out empty when they can load them with export. The more export we can send, the lower we can charge as freight.” She added
…Demonstrate Unwavering Support
Author: Lucy Nyambi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again expressed compassion and empathy towards the families affected by the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on 23 February 2024.
A delegation sent by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, visited the family of the Late Comfort Ajayi on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, in Anthony, Lagos.
Stating the purpose of the visit, ACG Swomen said, “In line with the CGC’s directive, it is an ongoing interaction and support for the families, so even after today, we will continue to keep in touch with them and see the best ways going forward that we can support them in this difficult time.
“It just tells you that the service is responsive, we are caring, we are a responsible Nigerian Government Agency, and even though those events happened outside our premises, we are still touched by it and we will continue to see the best way going forward to support these families.”
Responding, the husband of the late Comfort Ajayi, Murphy Ajayi, appreciated the delegation for their visit, saying, “They have been trying in their effort to get in touch with us and check on us. I say a big thank you, though it has not been easy, but life continues.”
In the same vein, the team also reached out to the families of late Eugene Anyanwu and late Mercy Christopher, who were also victims of the unfortunate incident on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Sarah Anyanwu, wife to late Eugene Anyanwu
commended the gesture by the Nigeria Customs Service. She prayed to God to enable customs to succeed in their endeavours.
Similarly, Christopher Onah, husband to late Mercy Christopher, also appreciated the service for remembering and commiserating with his family during this trying period.
Recall that the delegation earlier visited the family of the late Susan Odulaja in Jibowu, Lagos, on Friday, 26 April 2024.
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has, in conjunction with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), launched an auspicious scheme aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and creating a more transparent business environment for the Service’s stakeholders in trade space, named Advance Ruling.
Speaking at the venue of launching the project on Thursday, 2nd May 2024, at Envoy Avenue in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi described ‘Advanced Ruling’ as a critical mechanism that allows traders to obtain binding decisions from Customs administrations on the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation.
Appreciating the stakeholders and partners for gracing the event, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that the launched project will also serve as a tool for reducing compliance costs and fostering a conducive business environment for traders.
He said, “Today, we shall be taking the first step towards launching the Nigeria Customs Service Advance Ruling, starting with stakeholder engagement.”
The CGC, who recognised the significance of the project, as it aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), also emphasised its relevance in facilitating both domestic and international trade while also promoting Customs compliance.
“According to the WCO and the WTO, Advanced Ruling enhances predictability and transparency in customs procedures, streamlining trade processes and minimising delays, uncertainties, and costs associated with Customs clearance.” CGC Adeniyi added.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying the ground to enhance the economy of Nigeria and supporting the Service, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that the launch of Advanced Ruling at this time aligns with the policy directive of President Tinubu’s administration to facilitate trade for legitimate traders.
He highlighted, “This is reflected in the Policy Advisory Document of the government, which signifies recent achievements, such as the approval to decongest the ports and make them free and accessible for importers and operators.”
As the Comptroller-General of Customs championed the laying of a foundation for Advance Ruling to enhance trade in Nigeria, he revealed that the Service has made all arrangements to conduct workshops and sensitisation sessions at Customs Area Commands to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to utilise this new mechanism effectively.
He, however, applauded the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and other partners for their unwavering partnership and continued support of achieving a significant milestone in trade facilitation activities under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme.
“It is essential to acknowledge that initiatives like Advanced Ruling necessitate investments in capacity building for both officers and stakeholders. We are committed to leveraging our internal capacity while exploring collaboration opportunities with external partners like GIZ.” He said.
Customs Corner
CGC Adeniyi’s Impersonator Knows Fate on 3 July 2024, As Federal High Court Adjourns Hearing
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
A Federal High Court sitting in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has conducted a hearing of one Ibrahim Shu’aibu, a 50-year-old man, for assuming the character of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, among other distinguished personalities in Nigeria, to commit fraudulent activities.
The Nigeria Customs Service had, on Monday, 29 January 2024, addressed the media about the suspect’s apprehension by the Service’s Police Unit following his involvement in fraudulent activities, which included luring numerous citizens to pay him money for the issuance of job appointment letters.
During the court hearing, the lead Counsel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko, said the accused was arraigned on a nine-count charge to which the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, 3 July 2024, and ordered that the accused be remanded with the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of bail requirements.
FOU Zone ‘B’ Customs Arrests Fake Customs Officer for Impersonation
Customs Again Visits Families of Rice Sale Stampede Victims
Nigeria Customs Launches Advance Ruling System for Effective Trade Facilitation
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